What you need to do to get a 10-year license

A 10-year driver's license is the standard license term in most U.S. states for adults over 21. You obtain one by passing the written test and driving test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), then paying the renewal fee. The entire process typically takes a few hours on the day you test, though some states require you to schedule an appointment weeks in advance.

The key difference from a standard license is straightforward the expiration date — your license will be valid for 10 years from the issue date rather than the shorter terms given to younger drivers or first-time license holders. You do not need to do anything special to request the 10-year term; it is the default for most adults.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at your state's DMV to receive a 10-year license.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) to your appointment.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs specific to your state; study materials are free on your state DMV's website.
  • The driving test usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.
  • Once you pass both tests, you pay the license fee (which varies by state, typically $50 to $150) and receive your license the same day or by mail within two weeks.

Gather your documents before your appointment

You will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The exact list varies slightly by state, but the core documents are the same everywhere. Check your state DMV's website for the complete list for your location, because some states accept different forms of proof than others.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number (such as a tax return or W-2). Bring proof of identity: a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. Bring proof of residency: a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a letter from your landlord or a recent tax return will usually work instead.

If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa or immigration documents. Bring your current driver's license if you have one, even if it is expired.

Study for and pass the written test

The written test covers your state's traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most states allow you to take the test on a computer at the DMV, and you typically need to answer 30 to 40 questions correctly to pass. The passing score is usually 70 to 80 percent, depending on your state.

Your state DMV publishes a free study guide online that covers everything on the test. read it and study for at least a few days before your appointment. The guide includes sample questions and explanations. Many states also offer free practice tests on their DMV website that show you the exact format and difficulty of the real test.

On test day, you will sit at a computer terminal at the DMV and answer questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You will see your score when ready after you finish. If you fail, most states let you retake the test the same day or within a few days, though you may have to pay a retest fee.

Schedule and take your driving test

The driving test is a 15- to 30-minute evaluation of your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. A DMV examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive a set route through your town. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the car, steering, braking, parking, and turning, as well as your awareness of traffic signals and other vehicles.

Many states require you to schedule your driving test weeks in advance, so book your appointment as soon as you know you are ready. Some DMVs have long wait lists, especially in urban areas. Bring your current license or learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle itself. The car must be in working condition with valid registration and a current inspection sticker if your state requires one.

On test day, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The examiner will check your documents, ask you to demonstrate that you know where the windshield wipers and headlights are, and then direct you to drive. Common reasons people fail include hitting a curb during parking, failing to come to a complete stop, speeding, or not checking mirrors and blind spots. If you fail, you can usually retake the test after a waiting period (often one to two weeks), though you may have to pay a retest fee.

Pay the license fee and receive your license

Once you pass both the written and driving tests, you will pay the license fee at the DMV counter. The fee varies by state and typically ranges from $50 to $150 for a 10-year license. Some states charge more if you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel.

You will also choose whether you want to be an organ donor and whether you want to register to vote. After you pay, the DMV will take your photograph and print your license. In most states, you receive your physical license the same day. In some states, the license is mailed to you within one to two weeks, and you receive a temporary paper license to use until it arrives.

Understand REAL ID requirements if you need federal access

A standard 10-year driver's license is sufficient for driving, but it is not sufficient for boarding a domestic airplane or entering a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you need to fly or access federal facilities, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license instead.

A REAL ID license looks similar to a standard license but has a small star in the upper right corner. It requires the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof of your Social Security number and residency. The fee is usually $10 to $30 more than a standard license. You can request a REAL ID license at the same time you explore for your 10-year license — straightforward tell the DMV staff you want the REAL ID version.

Renew your license before it expires

Your 10-year license will expire 10 years from the date it was issued. Most states send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your state and whether you need to retake the tests.

If you renew by mail or online, you typically do not need to retake the written or driving test — you straightforward pay the renewal fee and submit a new photo. If you have had traffic violations or your license was suspended, you may be required to come in person and retake the tests. Check your state DMV's website for the renewal process specific to your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take both the written and driving test to get a 10-year license?

Yes, you must pass both tests. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs. The driving test shows you can safely operate a vehicle. If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, some states will waive the driving test, but you will still need to pass the written test for your new state.

How long does it take to get a 10-year license from start to finish?

The appointment itself usually takes two to four hours, including waiting time. However, scheduling the appointment can take weeks, especially in busy areas. Once you pass both tests and pay the fee, you receive your license the same day in most states, or by mail within one to two weeks in others.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after a waiting period, usually one to two weeks. You will have to pay a retest fee, which is typically $10 to $30. Most states allow you to retake the test as many times as you need, though some limit the number of retakes per year.

Can I get a 10-year license if I am under 21?

No. Most states issue shorter-term licenses to drivers under 21 — typically four to six years. Once you turn 21, you can renew your license and receive a 10-year term. Some states automatically upgrade your license when you turn 21; others require you to renew in person.

What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license?

Both are valid for driving. A REAL ID license has a star and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not. If you only drive and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. The REAL ID version costs slightly more and requires the same process process.